Chocolate Panna Cotta with Caramelized Bananas
Category: Desserts
Serves: 5
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cream | 500 ml |
| Dark chocolate | 150 g |
| Gelatin sheets | 8 g |
| Powdered sugar | 100 g |
| Bananas (for panna cotta) | 400 g |
| Water (for gelatin) | 100 g |
| Butter | 30 g |
| Sugar (for caramel) | 100 g |
| Banana (for decoration) | 1 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Panna Cotta:
Begin by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for at least 10 minutes in a small bowl. This ensures that the gelatin becomes soft and ready for incorporation into the panna cotta mixture. -
Melt the Chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate. You can use a double boiler method for this: place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring that the water doesn’t touch the bowl. Stir the chocolate frequently until it’s completely melted and smooth. -
Add the Cream:
While the chocolate is melting, heat the fresh cream separately in a saucepan over low heat. Once the chocolate is fully melted, add the warm cream to the chocolate, stirring gently with a spatula. Continue to cook over low heat, being careful not to let the mixture come to a boil. Stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from clumping. -
Incorporate the Gelatin:
Squeeze the excess water out of the gelatin sheets and add them to the chocolate and cream mixture. Use a whisk to ensure the gelatin dissolves completely into the mixture. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. -
Pour and Chill:
Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the panna cotta mixture into 5 small molds or ramekins. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then place the molds in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, so that the panna cotta firms up completely.
-
Prepare the Caramelized Bananas:
-
Cook the Bananas:
Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds about 1/2 cm thick. In a non-stick skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the sugar to the pan, and allow it to melt into the butter, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to form a smooth caramel sauce. -
Caramelize the Bananas:
Once the caramel reaches a nice amber color, add the banana slices to the pan. Cook them for about 1 minute, stirring gently to ensure each piece gets coated in the caramel. Add the water gradually to the pan, letting it evaporate as it simmers. This step will help the caramel thicken while keeping the bananas soft and glossy. -
Finish and Set Aside:
Once the caramel has reduced and the bananas are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and set the pan aside.
-
Assemble the Dessert:
-
Unmold the Panna Cotta:
After the panna cotta has set and become firm, use a small knife to loosen the edges of the panna cotta from the molds. Invert each mold onto a plate, gently releasing the panna cotta from the mold onto the surface. -
Top with Caramelized Bananas:
Spoon the warm caramelized bananas onto the top of each panna cotta. Spread them out evenly, ensuring that each serving gets a fair share of the delicious banana slices and golden caramel. -
Decorate:
For the finishing touch, slice the additional banana into thin rounds or small cubes and use it to garnish the top of each panna cotta.
Serve and Enjoy!
This decadent Chocolate Panna Cotta with Caramelized Bananas is the perfect dessert to impress your guests. The rich, creamy chocolate panna cotta pairs beautifully with the sweet, soft, and slightly caramelized bananas. Ideal for any special occasion or a satisfying treat after a delicious meal. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.)
